PS is an 87 yo M admitted to the hospital for failure to thrive.While hospitalized, a physician has determined that PS also has megaloblastic anemia.
-Which of the following is not a potential etiology of PS's anemia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reduced intake of iron is not a potential etiology of megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is usually caused by reduced absorption of vitamin B12 or folate, or reduced intake of these vitamins. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, which play a key role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell maturation. Reduced absorption or intake of these nutrients can cause megaloblastic anemia. Reduced intake of iron would not cause megaloblastic anemia, as iron deficiency anemia develops due to insufficient iron for hemoglobin synthesis, not DNA synthesis.

PS Is an 87 Yo M Admitted to the Hospital